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League joins Dodgers, ready to contribute

League joins Dodgers, ready to contribute

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LOS ANGELES -- After the Mariners defeated the Blue Jays Monday night, Brandon League headed into the clubhouse and gave a few guys some high fives before being called into the office.

And just like that, his career with Seattle was over. On Tuesday, League's career with Los Angeles was just beginning, as he sat in front of his new locker in a Dodger uniform surrounded by his new teammates. For League, the trade came as bittersweet news.

"I'm just sad to leave Seattle, where I held my home for the last three years," he said. "But I'm also very excited to start a new chapter and play for a team that is in a race right now. I'm happy to be here and I'm ready to contribute."

League has struggled this year, posting an 0-5 record with a 3.53 ERA and nine saves in 46 games. However, he is just one year removed from an All-Star game appearance and a season with 37 saves in 42 chances.

Manager Don Mattingly said Kenley Jansen remains the team's closer, with League sliding into the eighth-inning role alongside Ronald Belisario. Mattingly, who described League as a pitcher with big-time stuff, said who he uses will depend on that night's matchup.

League, a right-hander, essentially replaces Josh Lindblom in the bullpen after Tuesday's trade that sent the former Dodgers right-hander to the Phillies for Shane Victorino.

"Throughout my career, I have pitched anywhere from the fifth inning to the ninth, even sometimes past that," League said. "I'm ready to pitch where they see me being the most successful."